Tropical Storm Ernesto re-intensified into a hurricane on Sunday as it moved away from Bermuda and continued into the northeastern Atlantic. It caused powerful swells that affected the U.S. East Coast, leading to rip currents, one death, and numerous rescues.
The National Hurricane Center reported that Ernesto had maximum sustained winds of 75 mph (120 kph), making it a Category 1 hurricane.
The hurricane center predicted further strengthening before Ernesto weakens and transitions into a post-tropical cyclone on Tuesday. The storm’s current location is approximately 520 miles (840 kilometers) south of Halifax, Nova Scotia. It is expected to pass near southeastern Newfoundland late Monday and early Tuesday.
The swells generated by Ernesto were affecting various regions, including the Bahamas, Bermuda, the U.S. East Coast, and the Canadian Atlantic coast. The hurricane center warned of life-threatening surf and rip current conditions in these areas over the next few days.
The National Weather Service issued a coastal flood advisory and highlighted a high risk for rip currents along the Atlantic Coast until Monday evening. Meteorologist Mike Lee emphasized that all swimmers, regardless of experience, are at risk during periods of high rip current danger.
Several rescue incidents were reported along the East Coast due to the rough surf conditions induced by Hurricane Ernesto. Tragically, a 41-year-old man drowned in a rip current at Surf City, North Carolina, on Saturday. Additionally, two men drowned in separate incidents on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
Aside from the hurricane-related issues, heavy rains caused flooding in parts of western Connecticut, resulting in road closures, water rescues, and minor mudslides. Videos posted on social media showed severe flooding in Oxford, Connecticut, overtaking roads and homes.
The hurricane’s impact extended to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, where an unoccupied beach house collapsed into the water. Damage assessments and debris cleanup were underway in several affected areas.
In Bermuda, Ernesto brought heavy rain and strong winds, prompting temporary closures and disruptions. However, the territory made it through the hurricane without major incidents or injuries, according to Bermuda Security Minister Michael Weeks. Cleanup efforts and power restoration were in progress.
Ernesto had previously affected the northeastern Caribbean, leaving thousands without water in Puerto Rico. While power had been restored to most customers, there were still thousands without electricity. The aftermath of the storm also led to operational delays in public schools in the affected regions.
Contributions to this report were made by Gary Robertson in Raleigh, North Carolina, Cedar Attanasio and Julie Walker in New York, and Mariana MartÃnez Barba in Mexico City.
